Introduction
MikroTik is a Latvian technology company that produces networking equipment, software, and hardware. Established in 1996, the company has become a leading global brand in the networking industry, providing a wide range of solutions for home, enterprise, and service provider markets. In this article, we will delve into the history of MikroTik, discuss its product offerings, and compare the brand with other networking brands in the market.
History of MikroTik
MikroTik was founded in 1996 by John Trully and Arnis Riekstins in Riga, Latvia. The company initially started as a consultancy firm that provided services in network design and implementation. In 1997, the company released its first router operating system, the MikroTik RouterOS, which was based on the Linux kernel. This was a significant breakthrough for the company, and it allowed them to transition from a consultancy firm to a full-fledged networking equipment manufacturer. In the early 2000s, MikroTik continued to innovate, releasing new products such as the RouterBOARD series, which were integrated with their RouterOS. These products were a huge success and helped to establish the brand's reputation as a reliable and efficient networking equipment provider. Today, MikroTik is a multinational corporation with offices and distributors in over 140 countries worldwide.
Product Offerings
MikroTik offers a wide range of products that cater to different markets and use cases. Let's take a closer look at some of their popular product offerings:
RouterBOARD
The RouterBOARD series is one of MikroTik's flagship products, which consists of a range of routers and switches. These devices are designed for use in small to medium-sized enterprises and come with advanced features such as dual-band Wi-Fi, VPN, and firewall capabilities. The RouterBOARD series is popular among network administrators and IT professionals who require a reliable and efficient networking solution.
Cloud Core Router
The Cloud Core Router is another popular product offered by MikroTik. This product is designed for use in large-scale enterprise networks and service provider networks. The Cloud Core Router comes with advanced features such as a multi-core CPU, hardware encryption, and up to 40 Gbps of throughput. This product is ideal for businesses that require a high-performance networking solution that can handle large volumes of traffic.
Wireless Systems
MikroTik's wireless systems are designed for use in outdoor and indoor environments. These products come with advanced features such as dual-band Wi-Fi, weather-resistant enclosures, and long-range antennas. The wireless systems are popular among businesses that require a reliable and efficient wireless solution that can operate in harsh environments.
Switches
MikroTik's switches are designed for use in small to medium-sized enterprises and come with advanced features such as PoE (Power over Ethernet), VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network), and QoS (Quality of Service) capabilities. The switches are popular among network administrators and IT professionals who require a cost-effective and reliable switching solution.
MikroTik vs. Ubiquiti
Ubiquiti Networks is a US-based technology company that produces networking equipment, software, and hardware. Similar to MikroTik, Ubiquiti is a popular brand in the networking industry, offering a wide range of products for home, enterprise, and service provider markets. Let's take a look at some of the key differences between MikroTik and Ubiquiti:
Product Offerings
Both MikroTik and Ubiquiti offer a wide range of products, including routers, switches, access points, and wireless systems. However, MikroTik's product offerings tend to be more diverse and cater to a wider range of markets, including small to large enterprises and service providers. Ubiquiti's product offerings, on the other hand, tend to focus more on the consumer and small business markets.
Cost-Effectiveness
MikroTik and Ubiquiti are both known for their cost-effectiveness, offering competitively priced products compared to other networking brands in the market. However, MikroTik tends to offer more affordable options, particularly for their enterprise and service provider products, while Ubiquiti's products can be more expensive, particularly for their higher-end products.
Customization
MikroTik's RouterOS is a flexible operating system that allows for extensive customization, while Ubiquiti's products tend to be more locked down, with limited customization options. This can be a significant advantage for businesses that require a more tailored solution, particularly for complex networking environments.
User Interface
Ubiquiti's products tend to have a more user-friendly interface, particularly for their consumer and small business products. MikroTik's RouterOS, on the other hand, can have a steeper learning curve and may require more technical expertise to configure and manage.
Conclusion
MikroTik is a well-established brand in the networking industry, offering a wide range of products that cater to different markets and use cases. The brand's cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and diverse product offerings make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. While there are other networking brands in the market, such as Ubiquiti, MikroTik's product offerings tend to be more diverse, catering to a wider range of markets, and its RouterOS provides extensive customization options. Ultimately, the choice between MikroTik and other networking brands will depend on the specific needs and requirements of the business or organization.
